Which version of Link do you like best?

[marvelvscapcom2]

Hello everyone


Over the decades, Not many characters have gone through as many visual overhauls as our favorite beloved hero Link.  From his inception up until his most recent endeavors he has changed outfits, age, hairstyles, bit patterns based on console graphical restraints and weapon changes. 


Over the course of all the console gens and some of his biggest blockbuster outings.  Which look do you think was best for link?  And which sillouette do you think is the most iconic or just your personal favorite? 



8 BIT Link (1986)



First up we have the iconic NES classic in all of his 8 bit glory.  When he graced our screens as children we all marveled in the epicness of one of the first sightings of our sword weilding companion.  Not many gaming visuals can be as culturally recognizable as 8 bit OG link. 


Adventures of Link... Link  (1987)





It didn't take long for Nintendo to fully overhaul Links apperance, changing his entire look even on the same 8 bit console just 1 year later .  Certainly the most compelling or odd Link but a very loved one as well. 

Link to the Past Link (1991)




The Jump to the fresh Genesis slaying hardware, all the kids reveling in the amazingness of Link's new adventure cementing him in one of the greatest games of all time.  A game that transcends time forever.   And a amazing and very much so different design for Link. 


Orcarina of Time  Young Link  (1998)



Orcarina of Time  Adult Link (1998)



The first dive into 3D for Link ,  the N64 being a catalyst for the adventerous fun that awaits with such open worlds and being one of the most revolutionary moments for the transencsion of gaming to what it is today.    2 Links were introduced in the story line, A young one and a teenage adult one.   Both become super huge staples and made it to Nintendo grand stage of Super Smash Bros. as well.


Toon Link  (2002)




One thing very epic about Nintendo is that they are not scared of changing it up with their icons, and this was such a way out in left field art concept but is by far my favorite ever .  I love the cartoon artistry of WindWaker and the game was so beautiful and animated perfectly that it is a game that will forever look amazing even after remasters and over 15 years .    Toon link also covers phantom hour glass and a few other entries as he seems to look the same.  I could be wrong though .


Twilight Princess Link (2006)




Not much different from Adult OOT Link but certainly changes were made especially with graphical improvements and slight darker color in garb


Skyward Sword Link (2011)



The changes become more subtle through the GameCube to Wii Generations but they're are some changes in clothing .   


Breath of the Wild Link (2017)




Over 30 years of culmination, graphical advancements, design choices, changes and passionate creators, and Miyamotos god like vision have all peaked with the latest entry of link's adventures.  For some reason Nintendo decided to change his iconic color from the universal green to blue.  The dawning of a new era.   I really think this Link looks incredible and the design concept is a mixture of windwaker and TP the way the shading and cell structure of the game is .   Such an epic version of Link.



Honorable Mentions


Four Swords Adventures Links




Oracle of Ages/Seasons Link




Dishonorable Mentions

CDI Link





Which Link is your all time favorite of all?  What changes do you see Nintendo making to him in the distant future?   Has link gotten cooler or worst in your opinion over time?


Hope everyone has a good weekend    

[shfan]

TBH CDi Link has provided me with countless hours of chuckles via Youtube Poops, so he's my pick. The constant chopping and changing of Link over the years has gotten up my goat, which is probably hypocritical of me since Mario has gone through umpteen numerous iterations and every Mario game introduces a slew of throwaway characters and that doesn't irk so much. Still, I'm waiting for Grand Theft Hyrule, where gangster Link has to escort cocaine dealer "Princess" Zelda to meet her supplier Cannon-Dorf.

[kamikazekeeg]

Breath of the Wild Link has quickly grown on me, especially with the ability to customize him, so he's not really dedicated to just one look compared to his past incarnations that only really go as far as different colors.  He's not traditional Link at all, but I love the style.

For a more traditional Link, I feel like Twilight Princess Link is kinda pinnacle Link for me in terms of design. 

[aliensstudios]

I'd say the Link that was in A Link to the Past, Link's Awakening and Oracle of Ages/Seasons because that is my favorite design for Link, plus those are my favorite Zelda games.

Coming in at a close second is Toon Link and Young Link purely because of Smash Bros.

[burningdoom]

The hand-drawn Link from the NES manual:

[aliensstudios]

The hand-drawn Link from the NES manual:

I was pleasantly surprised when they made Link a skin in Hyrule Warriors that looked a lot like that version:

[soera]

Ocarina of Time  Young Link  (1998)

This is the one I prefer the most although Ocarina of Time is not my favorite Zelda game.

[bikingjahuty]

1. Breath of the Wild2. Ocarina of Time (Adult)3. Hyrule Warriors4. Twilight Princess5. Windwaker

[emporerdragon]

Well, excuse me, but you missed a Link in your list:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPxY8lpYAUM

[thewelshman]

The Minish Cap Link.

[Cartagia]

Well excuuuuse me, MvC.  I believe you left one out.

[shadowzero]

What about The Nintendo Cereal System berry-flavored Link?  I bought one box of this stuff when I was a kid and even then I was disgusted by both the flavors and the shameless cash-in.  But seeing the pic above reminded me of the Super Show and all that jazz.

In all seriousness I'm going with Classic Link and A Link to the Past Link.

[stealthrush]

Tied 1987 and 1991.

The 1987 reminds me Adol of Ys III sprite but less detailed.
The 1991 version makes me reminisce over the years playing Graal Online.

[oldgamerz]

I don't really have a favorite version of game character Link. But I do know of one that is missing unless. Giant Link is also called toon link in super smash bros melee for Gamecube
This may sound funny to some but what about

(Giant Link) in super smash bros melee and other games like The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask.

[kypherion]

A link to the past link.